August 25, 1912 - Choi Tae-min
His influence over Park Geun-hye, daughter of South Korean dictator Park Chung-hee, began in the 1970s and reportedly endured for decades — extending, through his daughter Choi Soon-sil, into the years of Park Geun-hye's presidency itself. The relationship became central to one of South Korea's most significant political scandals, raising questions about how deeply a single private individual had shaped the decisions of a sitting head of state.
From Wikipedia
Choi Tae-min (Korean: 최태민; 5 May 1912 – 1 May 1994) was the leader of the Church of Eternal Life, a South Korean cult combining elements of Buddhism, Christianity, and traditional Korean Shamanism. Choi, originally a Buddhist monk, then a convert to Presbyterian pastor, was married six times. He was the mentor of the impeached South Korean president, Park Geun-hye (the daughter of former president Park Chung Hee), until his death in 1994. He allegedly used his relationship with Park to solicit bribes from government officials and businessmen. In late 2016, a scandal involving his daughter, Choi Soon-sil, broke out, with allegations that she too has exerted undue influence over President Park.
- Last updated on .